Home Blog Page 2083

Ron DeSantis Still Prefers Cable News Over Social Media

BNM Staff
-
0

Ron DeSantis, the potential Republican presidential candidate for 2024, expressed to Newsmax host Eric Bolling that he doesn’t prioritize social media and prefers watching cable news over using apps.

According to Mediate, this statement comes after his unsuccessful campaign launch on Twitter earlier this week. On Newsmax’s The Balance on Thursday, DeSantis mentioned that Twitter had high expectations of attracting a large audience for the event.

When asked by Bolling whether he had received any communication from Rupert Murdoch, the executive chairman of News Corp, or Murdoch’s sons regarding his choice to launch his campaign on Twitter instead of Fox News, DeSantis responded by saying, “No, we didn’t. But I understand. Different people have different perspectives on these matters.”

DeSantis further admitted, “Personally, I’m not particularly active on social media. I prefer watching programs like yours rather than using apps. However, I acknowledge that social media holds great importance for many individuals.”

Explaining his decision to launch the campaign on Twitter, DeSantis highlighted the platform’s role in promoting free speech and how it had become an outlet for conservatives to voice their opinions and challenge established media platforms, particularly following Elon Musk’s involvement. DeSantis viewed this as a significant factor in his choice.

“They were anticipating a lot of people, but there were more people that tried to sign up than even what Twitter had anticipated,” he claimed. “I was just in a room in Florida, so I didn’t really know necessarily what was going on.”

News Corp CEO Robert Thomson Warns Artificial Intelligence Could Have a Detrimental Impact on Journalism

BNM Staff
-
0

According to the New York Post, News Corp CEO Robert Thomson has issued a warning that the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) could have a detrimental impact on journalism. Thomson expressed concerns about AI programs that can appropriate exclusive content or divert advertising revenue away from publications designated as “blacklisted.”

“Our collective IP [intellectual property] is under threat” from AI,” he said.

Thomson delivered his remarks during the International News Media Association’s World Congress in New York. Thomson emphasized that the intellectual property of the industry as a whole is at risk due to AI developments. He specifically highlighted two main issues: the unauthorized collection and utilization of content to train AI algorithms and the likelihood of individual stories being prioritized in specific search results.

“Firstly, our content is being harvested, scraped, and otherwise ingested to train AI engines.  Secondly, individual stories will be surfaced in specific searches. And, thirdly, our content will be synthesized and presented as distinct when it is actually an extracting of editorial essence,” he added.

Thomson identified the significant financial challenges and the unpredictable macroeconomic climate as factors that necessitate media companies to streamline their operations. He criticized organizations like the “Global Disinformation Index” and similar entities for discouraging advertisers from partnering with publishers that are accused of sharing “disinformation” in their stories.

It was reported that the Global Disinformation Index, which operates in the UK and has affiliates in the US, has compiled confidential lists of conservative media outlets to hinder their access to advertising funds.

“No masthead is immune to sudden, capricious changes in algorithmic ranking that can affect your ad revenue,” he said.

News agencies such as the Associated Press, Bloomberg News, the New York Times, the BBC, and Thomson Reuters have begun integrating AI into their news processes.

Nielsen Will Face Many Questions With Major Methodology Changes

Dr. Ed Cohen
-
0
Nielsen Will Face Many Questions With Major Methodology Changes

I hope you had a great Memorial Day weekend! Last week, I gave a little history of the seven-day Nielsen radio paper diary which, if you believe the trades (and the trades are always right including this one!), could be replaced with an online version by late 2025. 

This week, I’ll discuss the issues surrounding what would be a major methodological change in a system that not everyone loves, but for the most part, everyone involved knows well.

Will the results differ when Nielsen changes methodologies? The answer is almost always a resounding “yes”. 

Even the smallest changes can affect the results and when results differ from expectations, someone will be upset or as I’ve told people for years, “We’ve never figured a way to create more than 100 share points in radio”. 

On a share basis, if someone gains, someone else has to lose. And for now, let’s not think about what might happen to usage levels.

Let’s consider the potential reasons for differences in results between the paper diary and an online version. The list is not exhaustive, but you’ll get the general idea of the complexity:

  • Will the sampling be the same as currently used? The Nielsen Audio sampling system has evolved over the years from using only landline telephone numbers to adding cell phones in 2009 (probably the first major survey of its kind to do that in the US) to using mail-out pre-surveys (the address-based sampling frame) ensuring the most everyone has a chance to be part of the sample.
  • Will individuals that fill out paper diaries be the same ones who fill out the online diary?
  • What will be the effects on response rate and proportionality?
  • Will the listening levels (PUR meaning Persons Using Radio) be statistically the same, in other words, the results could be different, but not due to the method?
  • What about the number of entries and the quality of those entries in the online diary compared to the paper diary? Will the online diary be easier or harder to edit when there are unclear entries?
  • The paper diary is completely unaided, in other words, the “diarykeeper” fills in whatever they think they’re listening to with no help from Nielsen. An online diary could include prompts.  Will such a version be tested?
  • Will diarykeepers be more likely to fill out the diary in “real-time” versus taking care of the chore at the end of the week? We know that a majority fill out the current diary after the fact.
  • For that matter, the “diary week” has been Thursday to Wednesday for nearly 60 years. Could that change and if so, what would be the effect of that change?
  • How will incentives be delivered? Currently, money is included with the package that includes the diaries, but I don’t think Nielsen wants to try using Venmo or PayPal or some other method to send out incentives. If there is one thing that’s been learned over time about survey incentives, cash is still king. That means plenty of mailings just as is done currently.
  • How many markets will be part of the test?
  • What kind of pretesting will be done? Will various designs be tested with focus groups or “one on ones” ahead of a major test? 
  • What will be considered an “acceptable” online diary? It’s easy to leave a question blank in the paper diary, for example, race and ethnicity, but the online diary could force an answer. Perhaps the online diary will offer “none of the above” or “I don’t want to answer this question”, but would options like that lead to more ascription (meaning filling in the data based on other information)?

You’ve just read twelve research and operational issues and almost certainly, I’ve missed something. The researchers inside of Nielsen have likely put together a longer list and also considered the costs and benefits. 

These and other questions will be asked by the various industry groups and committees such as the Media Rating Council, NAB’s COLRAM (Committee on Local Radio Audience Measurement), the NRRC (Network Radio Research Council), and the big ownership groups. 

My perspective is that this change should have taken place years ago. As noted last week, the original E-Diary had one easily fixable design flaw which should have been changed and then refined over time so that the industry could adjust. 

Instead, the early termination in 2007 and focus on the 48 PPM markets put the industry in the situation we have today. Nielsen Audio has painted itself into a corner. The online diary has to work because failure means the paper diary will be with us through most of this decade. 

The financial side of the house has likely figured the cost savings from the change which means “damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead” regardless of the test results unless the test is a complete disaster, which is unlikely. 

Further, any change means IT fixes which are often slow. Speeding things up requires the assumption that the test version can be implemented as designed, in other words, the programming changes will be done in parallel. If the test works well, you’ll see far faster implementation, which is great. If the results are controversial, you’ll also see a fast implementation, whether you like it or not.

Considering that the video side of Nielsen is facing an unprecedented amount of competition as well as criticism, the company would no doubt like to see even more profit from the near-monopoly radio service. The industry may complain, but the end result will be similar to the change to monthly rolling averages a few years back. 

If you don’t like it, find another vendor. Of course, competition in this field is rather limited.  My advice to the industry is to work together, ask a lot of questions, and fully understand what the outcomes mean for your companies, your stations, and your talent.

Let’s meet again next week.

Chadwick Moore Says He’s Been Banned By Fox News

BNM Staff
-
0

Chadwick Moore, a contributing editor at The Spectator and the writer of an upcoming biography about Tucker Carlson, asserted in a series of tweets on Sunday evening that he had experienced a form of professional exclusion known as “cancellation” by Fox News.

The situation unfolded when Moore mentioned that he could no longer appear on FNC for writing a book about Tucker Carlson.

“I’ve been banned from the network,” he added before reporting that Fox News employees had told him “privately that all on-air talent have been banned from saying the name ‘Tucker’ on air,” he said.

Recently, Moore stated that he could verify allegations claiming that Fox News terminated Carlson’s employment last month as a confidential provision of their $787.5 billion settlement with Dominion Voting Systems. This settlement arose from accusations of disseminating false information about Dominion Voting Systems on several Fox programs, including “Tucker Carlson Tonight.”

“This is FACT: Fox News has a new policy (aside from banning me): they won’t plug any book from a guest unless HarperCollins published it,” said Moore. “You can’t be a guest on Fox unless you’re a Fox author…it’s all so hilarious and grotesque. Fox News will not let you promote your book unless Fox News publishes your book.”

“I’ve been canceled by liberal corporate media, and now I’m canceled by corporate conservative media. I think I’ll be fine. I couldn’t care less,” he added.

Audacy Shareholders Approve Reverse Stock Split to Avoid Delisting

BSM Staff
-
0
Audacy Shareholders Approve Reverse Stock Split to Avoid Delisting

Shareholders in Audacy have voted to approve a reverse stock in an effort to prevent the radio conglomerate from being delisted on the New York Stock Exchange.

The approval came last week at the company’s annual shareholders meeting.

Shares in Audacy have plummeted to near zero over the last year, closing at just $0.06 ahead of the Memorial Day weekend. The NYSE requires companies listed to have a minimum average closing price of $1.00 per share over 30 trading days. Audacy hasn’t traded for over a dollar per share since July of last year.

The company received an extension back in February after it was unsuccessful in trying to get back over the dollar per share threshold. Audacy needed shareholder approval to meet NYSE compliance requirements.

A reverse stock split is where an individual outstanding share of a company is converted into a fraction of a share.

Full details on Audacy’s reverse split are expected to be announced sometime this week.

Altitude Sports Radio Hosts Get Into On Air Fight With Chris Mannix

BSM Staff
-
0
Altitude Sports Radio Hosts Get Into On Air Fight With Chris Mannix

Things came to a head in Denver last week between Sports Illustrated senior writer Chris Mannix and Altitude Sports Radio hosts Chris Dempsey, Matt McChesney and Vic Lombardi.

Earlier in the week, Mannix echoed a common theme among many in the national media when he told Rich Eisen that there weren’t any compelling or interesting stories surrounding the Denver Nuggets entering their first ever NBA Finals appearance.

Dempsey responded Thursday saying Mannix was lazy claiming that star Nickola Jokic and Jamal Murray weren’t really worthy of profiling.

Mannix later appeared on Kreckman and Lindahl where he mentioned he had heard what Dempsey said and didn’t appreciate Dempsey taking shots at him.

On Friday, Mannix called in to Dempsey and Company where they had a back and forth on what made for interesting Nuggets storylines. Mannix said the issues with access to the team’s regional sports network Altitude Sports Network should be the top story.

“I would say that you have a team where 92% of the people in Colorado can’t watch it,” Mannix said citing an ongoing lawsuit between Altitude and Comcast. “How is that not the biggest story every single day?”

“You guys do a sports talk radio show, and 92% of the audience can’t watch the games,” Mannix added.

Lombardi, who co-hosts mornings with Marc Moser and Brett Kane, had been listening to the back and forth and jumped in to correct Mannix’s 92% claim.

“It’s not 92%. It’s hovering above 50%,” Lombardi said. “And most people by hook or by crook watch the game. Either by illegal stream, either by some other access code, people are watching the games.”

Mannix continued to press on why the carriage dispute isn’t discussed daily when Lombardi said he and his show have been on top of it from the jump.

“We’ve talked about this for four years!” Lombardi said. “Anybody who knows our station and our network knows we have talked about that issue.”

Mannix pointed to ratings saying that it’s evident fans aren’t tuning in like they used to. Dempsey brought up the issues the Phoenix Suns had with Bally Sports and how the team decided to air local broadcasts on over-the-air TV. He said the ratings don’t tell the whole story.

“It’s the same reason why Sports Illustrated isn’t what it use to be,” Dempsey said. “I don’t order Sports Illustrated anymore, you know why? Because distribution models have changed, and so has this.”

PodcastOne Announces Pay-Per-View Event with Adam Carolla & Friends

BNM Staff
-
0

PodcastOne has announced its upcoming Pay-Per-View event for June 4, 2023. According to a news release, The event, “Adam Carolla & Friends,” will feature renowned comedian and PodcastOne host Adam Carolla.

The evening broadcast live from the Belly-Up Tavern near San Diego, CA, will commence at 9:30 pm ET/6:30 pm PT. Carolla will be joined by fellow comedians Brad Williams, Kimbles Hume, and other special guests for a 90-minute show of Carolla’s trademark topical and edgy comedy.

“I am delighted that LiveOne and PodcastOne have created this new PPV opportunity for Adam Carolla Podcast fans to enjoy an evening of comedy with me, Kimbles Hume and the great Brad Williams live from one of the best live performance venues in the country at Belly Up in Solana Beach, California!” said Carolla.

In 2020, Adam Carolla achieved a significant milestone by collaborating with LiveOne and PodcastOne for a live-streamed event that garnered an impressive 1.1 million views. The record-breaking event was recorded at The Houston Improv in May of that same year. Since 2009, The Adam Carolla Podcast has entertained millions of listeners and has become the world’s most downloaded podcast daily.

With episodes released five days a week and featuring uncensored content, Carolla engages in in-depth interviews with a wide range of guests, including Jimmy Kimmel, Jay Leno, Nicolas Cage, Alec Baldwin, and Matt Damon, providing listeners with an unparalleled front-row seat to his passionate rants.

You can find “The Adam Carolla Show” and PodcastOne’s extensive lineup of shows on various platforms, including PodcastOne itself, iTunes, Spotify, Amazon, and other podcast platforms. Among PodcastOne’s diverse range of programming are acclaimed performances such as the Webby Award-winning “Baby Mamas No Drama,” “Coffee Convos,” “I’ve Had It,” “The Jordan Harbinger Show,” “Off the Vine with Kaitlyn Bristowe,” “When Reality Hits with Jax and Brittany,” the Webby Award-nominated “LadyGang,” as well as A&E’s “Cold Case Files” and “I Survived.” These podcasts can be accessed and enjoyed wherever podcasts are available for listening.

You can now purchase tickets for the Pay-Per-View event, which includes access to rewatch the event, by visiting liveone.com/carollalive.

Fred Toucher Returns to Hospital Following Concerning Social Media Posts

BSM Staff
-
0

98.5 The Sports Hub host Fred Toucher raised concerns on social media over the weekend after a couple of tweets he sent indicated he had a death wish.

The tweets have since been deleted, but Toucher wrote “You ever wish to die” on Saturday before posting “I want to die baby” on Sunday.

Toucher later posted that he was at the hospital again, but didn’t seem to provide any additional details.

Toucher revealed in the last couple of months he had been dealing with a cancer scare. The experience has taken a toll on his mental health.

While in the midst of taking a leave of absence from Toucher and Rich, Toucher lashed out at co-host Rich Shertenlieb and others working on the show for apparent lack of concern about his health and wellbeing. He has since apologized for that.

Toucher and Shertenlieb have hosted together on for almost 20 years.

Larry Krueger Accuses 49ers of Leaking Information to Rich Eisen

BSM Staff
-
0
Larry Krueger Accuses 49ers of Leaking Information to Rich Eisen

Very few voices in the Bay Area carry as much weight with sports fans as Larry Krueger. The former KNBR host took to Twitter on Thursday to openly question how Rich Eisen seems to know so much about the team’s quarterback plans.

The quarterback room in San Francisco is crowded and trying to make sense of a preseason depth chart is complicated. Yet somehow, the NFL Network host seems to know exactly how the team plans to handle Trey Lance, Brock Purdy and Sam Darnold.

“If Purdy starts throwing now, and he starts showing up, and he can go in training camp, and they’re looking at him saying, ‘Oh, he looks just like the kid last year,’ and he’s not sitting there with his arm in ice, and he does what he needs to in training camp, and he does what he needs to do in the first preseason game, then he’s your guy,” Eisen said on his Tuesday radio show.

He added that if that happens, the team will begin taking calls about trade offers for Lance. His contract features a team option for a fifth season. Given how little Lance has played through his first two seasons, Eisen said that whether or not to pick up the option is a decision the 49ers are happy to let someone else make.

Larry Krueger does not think this is just Eisen saying what he would do.

https://twitter.com/sportslarryk/status/1661858346176233475

The SF Gate is not buying Krueger’s theory. Writer Gabe Fernandez noted that if Eisen did have insider knowledge of the team’s quarterback plans, surely he would be sharing juicer information than just what could be inferred by any football fan.

Larry Krueger was let go last year from KNBR, a station he had worked for for 25 years. He has been busy though. His YouTube show boasts over 10,000 subscribers. He has also hosted shows for KNBR’s crosstown rival 95.7 The Game.

Nick Kayal: There’s A Battle Brewing Between Fox News and MSNBC

BNM Staff
-
0

Fox News has been subject to a ratings dip after it unceremoniously fired Tucker Carlson late last month. 1210 WPHT morning host Nick Kayal noted there’s a fight brewing between the network and MSNBC.

“This is interesting with Fox News. Now, it’s still early, so I’m not going to say ‘Oh my God, Fox News is dead. Bury ’em, they’re gone, forget about ’em’, but MSNBC is beating Fox in last week’s ratings,” the Kayal & Company host said Friday. “They’re beating them in many different demos and dayparts. And not just at night. Morning Joe beat FOX & Friends by almost 100,000 viewers…Sean Hannity gets crushed by Rachel Maddow, and Laurence O’Donnell is beating Laura Ingraham.

“So, if I’m Fox, and I’m looking at my primetime ratings right now, Hannity is losing to MSNBC, Ingraham is losing to MSNBC, I’m beating MSNBC with a bunch of rotating fill-in dudes, and gals. The only thing I feel good about is Jesse Watters at 7:00 PM ET, is doubling up Joy Reid. I feel good about 8:00 PM ET. I have no consistency in that spot, and it’s still beating MSNBC in that 8 o’clock spot.

“And we gave you that story about how a lot advertisers coming back to Fox in that 8 o’clock spot, because Tucker Carlson wasn’t deemed to be advertiser-friendly ’cause he had the most stones to say stuff that others won’t say and go into topics others won’t go into.”

Kayal then noted that the network could be pulled in two directions due to an increased revenue but a decrease in total audience.

“It’s interesting because if you think about the balance, you’re making more money, but you’re not getting as many eyeballs. I’d love to be in one of those meetings where they say ‘Ok, how do we balance — we wanna make more money, but I’d love to have 2.7 million viewers and not 1.6 (million). Very interesting dynamic. MSNBC has picked up in some other spots, not named the Tucker Carlson spot. I don’t know if that has sustainability or lasting power. But it seems there’s a little bit of a battle between Fox and MSNBC.”

1...2,0822,0832,084...2,777Page 2,083 of 2,777